Sometimes in life, you have to choose a side. Are you a good guy or a bad guy? Are you willing to face the truth–with all its consequences–or are you willing to keep lying to yourself?
I don’t normally engage critics. I figure I have my opinion, they have their’s, so what’s the point? But then there’s Tod Tamberg. He’s the spokesman for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Here’s Tod’s response to recent my op-ed piece in the Los Angeles Times, which applauded the U.S. attorney’s decision to try and hold Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles responsible for leaving rapist priests in ministry (who went on to sexually abuse other children):
Lobdell’s biases prevent him from admitting facts & being fair, just as when I knew him as a reporter. Here’s what’s true and measurable in the Archdiocese: • Complaints of abuse are reported to authorities. • A Clergy Misconduct Oversight Board receives complaints of inappropriate conduct. • More than 60,000 priests, teachers, lay employees, coaches & volunteers have been trained in abuse prevention techniques. • Church employees & volunteers are fingerprinted & clear a criminal background check. And, more than 350,000 children & youth have been trained in age-appropriate abuse.
This is the worse kind of PR. It doesn’t try to correct any facts in my piece, and tries to divert the attention of the reader to what happened after Mahony was found to harbor know child molesters. P.S. Tamberg didn’t like my coverage of the Catholic sex scandal, but it was the truth. If I had reported it his way, the victims would whiners (and probably liars), and Mahony and the archdiocese should be equated with truth, justice and the American way.
As Mark Twain said, facts are stubborn things. Mahony, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Tamberg didn’t care about truth, justice and the American way. The evidence is irrefutable. “His Eminence”’s actions resulted in children being raped by priests. End of effing story. I can see why a cardinal in the Catholic Church would cover-up for pedophilies in his midst. But for the life of me, I can’t understand why a “spokesman” would contribute to this charade. Tod is displaying cult-like behavior. My hope is that some day soon, he’ll embrace the truth and help survivors of sexual abuse and not the person who allowed it to happen.
I’m an optimist. But I won’t hold my breath
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Jenny // Feb 6, 2009 at 10:42 am
I’ll be the first to pick a side.
I’m on the side in direct opposition to the Church and their power hungry closeted sexual freaks. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing and representing nothing, NOTHING that Jesus is about.
You are right, Bill - he didn’t address any of your facts, and I would expect that most readers can see that.
This isn’t an issue of opinion. Raping children is a crime in this country and these priests are criminals. They and their defenders should be in jail.
Period.
I have to think that for me, as a Christian, it’s even MORE offensive that they are doing this in God’s name. This is NOT God doing this.
2 James_Smith // Feb 16, 2009 at 8:58 am
I’m not exactly picking a side, except for the side of truth. I have no disagreement about the potential (and very real) evils of religion. No doubt, more people have been killed in the “name of God” than any other. “God is always on ‘my side.’” And, surely any religion which “requires” celebacy is bound to run into all manner of horrific problems. There are countless justified reports of such horrors.
However, just for a moment (or longer if you like), contemplate two words: Reincarnation & Karma. Religion (as in “The Church”) as well as the religion of Atheism are _both_ unaware of these two concepts.
Think of the most henious act that you are aware of and you might say something like, “If there were a God, IT would not tolerate such outrage. Indeed Life does demand the balancing of karma. You might say, “Oh yeah(?), I’ve not seen the bad guys getting their just deserts!” One moment please… Reincarnation. Evil doers may ply their trades for groups of lifetimes — but when the bill comes due — it must be paid in true coin. Have you ever wondered how it is that a 3rd world citizen just cannot seem to catch a break? Just as he digs out of one calamity, he is hit with disease — and on and heart breakingly on. This is how karma works. Truly — what “goes around” does indeed “come around.” Preachers spouting what they spout have not a clue. Any teaching that overlooks karma & reincarnation is missing the most basic first step that needs to be understood and taken to heart before a greater understanding of Life can occur. The old adage really does apply: “When the student is ready, the Master will appear.” There is much, much more to Life than religion and atheism are aware of. There really is a God, IT is just far more subtle and complex than most are willing to admit.
Regards, James
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